Linda Kay Brown

In everything she did, Linda Brown put the needs of others ahead of her own. She radiated love through her every thought, word, and deed, and her devotion to her family and friends was unmatched. Being a mother seemed to be a role that was tailor made just for Linda as she viewed caring for her sons to be both her highest calling and her greatest blessing. Although life will never be the same without her here, Linda's legacy will be carried on by the sons she adored.The decade that is often referred to as the "Nifty Fifties" brought us some of the most colorful days we have ever seen as a nation. Televisions, which were becoming part of our homes in record numbers, brought us shows like I Love Lucy while James Dean made young girls swoon on the big screen. Elvis Presley took the music world by storm with his rock 'n roll music, and the race to dominate space between the United States and the Soviet Union was in full swing by the time the decade ended. It was just as this decade dawned that a young couple celebrated the healthy birth of their daughter on June 24, 1950. Linda Kay was one of five children born to her parents, Robert and Luella Brown. She was raised on the family farm alongside her sisters, Betty, Ronda, and Wendy, and her brother, Ricky. Growing up on the farm meant that Linda and her sister, Ronda, got stuck doing chores all the time. As a teen and young adult she enjoyed horseback riding. On one occasion a bunch of horses worked their way out, but imagine Linda's relief when one horse walked 12 miles all the way back home!Nothing made Linda happier than becoming a mother to the two boys she adored: Tyler and Toby. She was an active part of their lives and involved in their activities right along with them. When her boys were active in the Boy Scouts, Linda was one of their leaders. With every day she was given, Linda lived it to the fullest. She enjoyed pursuing her interests whenever she could, and they were even better when shared with her loved ones. As her friends and family can attest, Linda was a Minnesota Vikings fanatic who had all kinds of clothes in support of her team. Everyone also knew better than to call her during a televised game! Linda loved traveling with her sisters, and she had an extensive collection of polar bears. Bowling was another favorite pastime. Linda was known for her love of singing and appreciation of music. Karaoke was something she enjoyed doing whenever the opportunity arose, and she was delighted when her son helped her record a CD with 18 tracks on it. Some of Linda's favorite artists included legends like Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn as well as Dolly Parton. In fact, she and her sister, Betty, even visited Dollywood together.Loving, thoughtful, and selfless are just a few of the words that describe the extraordinary woman that Linda Brown was each and every day. It was easy to see the deep adoration that she had for her sons, and that she was happiest when surrounded by her loved ones. Even though her friends and family members would have loved more time with her, they are forever thankful for having been given the opportunity to have been unconditionally loved by such a special person. Linda will be deeply missed while her memory remains forever near and dear to the hearts and lives of those too numerous to count.Linda Kay Brown, of Rushford, MN, died on Saturday, December 7th, 2013 at the Methodist Hospital in Rochester. Linda's family includes her sons, Tyler and Toby; mother, Luella Brown; sisters, Betty (Lyle Hinrichs) Olson, Ronda (Michael) Mclaughlin, and Wendy (Mark Kraetsch) Overland; brother, Ricky (Kelly) Brown; and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles, and friends. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Robert, and her grandparents. Services will be held in Lanesboro, MN on Saturday, December 14, 2013, at North Prairie Lutheran Church. Visit with Linda's family and friends at 12 p.m. at the church. Please share a memory of Linda with her family, read her life story and view her video tribute when it becomes available at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/449013